Signs And Wonders In A Spirit- led Church ( 2)

WHEN Jesus died on the Cross of Calvary, and arose to life three days later, on the first Easter Sunday, He vanquished the power of Satan to hold men permanently down in sin, and to condemn them to a lifetime of suffering in his hands. His death and resurrection brought salvation to mankind, as experienced by the earliest converts. Once filled with the Holy Spirit, they single- mindedly continued steadfastly in the Apostles’ doctrine. These members of the church were not only saved, but were also separated, steadfast, sanctified, sacrificial, spiritual and successful in soul- winning. They were cheerfully devoted to the study of God’s word and dedicated to living by the word.

Their love for God and for one another was practical, uplifting and encouraging. They all partook of the Lord’s supper frequently and also received the great spiritual benefits. The week- day prayer meetings and study of the word were fully attended. Their commitment to God’s word, God’s way, God’s will and God’s worship is an example as well as an encouragement for the church today.

“And many wonders and signs were done by the apostles.” The Apostles who had just been baptised with the Holy Ghost were endued with power from on high. They had power to preach, to heal, to do exploits and perform miracles, signs and wonders. They possessed power to subdue circumstances, to do the will of God, power to live victoriously and overcome the world and all its tempting and attracting distractions.

“And all that believed were together, and had all things in common,” ministering “to all men, as every man had need.” Faith in Christ enabled these believers to love one another as Christ loved them. There was no discrimination, discord, debate or disagreement among them. Their love had a purposeful, positive and profitable demonstration. The grace of God and the power of the Holy spirit are still the same and God’s believing people can also demonstrate the same fellowship, love, unity and power today. In a short time, this commitment to soul- winning transformed them into an unstoppable church.

“And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.” Daily evangelism and sacrificial soul- winningcharacterised the early church. Addition to the church, church growth and church multiplication naturally became the result of thousands of believers sharing their testimonies, demonstrating the love of Christ, preaching the gospel and leading souls to their Saviour and Lord, Jesus Christ. “And the Lord added to the church.”

The addition was not through infant baptism; it was through the repentance and conversion of sinners to Christ. The growth of the church was not the result of granting religious titles or position to unconverted people in the society; the Lord added saved souls to His Church.

Only the Lord can effectively add to His Church. Not all the additions done by men are part of His church. Men may add Simon whose heart is not right or righteous ( Acts 8: 21); Ananias and Sapphira who lie to the Holy Ghost ( Acts 5: 3); a damsel who follows the servants of God to prayer ( Acts 16: 16,17); or the sons of Sceva who went about trying to cast out devils ( Acts 19: 13- 15). But all those additions will be separated from the true Church on the final day.

“As therefore the tares are gathered and burned in the fire; so shall it be in the end of this world. The Son of man shall send forth His angels, and they shall gather out of His kingdom ‘ all’ things that offend, and ‘ them,’ which do iniquity,” Matthew 13: 40,41.

• Further reading ( King James Version): Acts 2: 41- 47. Acts 2: 37- 42; 3: 19,26; Matthew 18: 3; 1 Thessalonians 1: 5- 10; John 17: 6- 8, 14- 16; James 1: 27; John 8: 31,32; Acts 11: 23- 26; 14: 21- 23; 1 Timothy 4: 15,16; 2 Timothy 3: 14; Hebrews 10: 25,38,39. Acts 2: 43- 46; 4: 29- 33; 5: 12- 16; 8: 6; 15: 25- 29; Romans 15: 4- 7; 1 Corinthians 1: 10; Philippians 2: 2- 8; Acts 11: 23; Romans 6: 17,18; Ephesians 6: 5,6; 1 John 3: 11- 18. Acts 2: 47,41; 4: 4,31- 33; 5: 14,17- 20,27- 29; 6: 4,7; 8: 3- 5,14,25; 9: 29- 31; 10: 24,27,33- 44; 11: 19- 24; 14: 1